Reusable bag

ABSTRACT

The disclosure provides a container (or bag) that is sufficiently rigid stand on its own yet is sufficiently flexible for a user to deform the bag to create a pour spout. Due to this balance of rigidity and flexibility, when open, the opening of the container maintains a shape and dimension that gives easy, one handed, access to the contents and allows contents to be poured into the container without need of support. The bag has a closure that may include a rod that nests within a channel. The rod and channel can be configured such that the rod can be pressed into the channel and pulled out of the channel repeatedly without causing damage to the container, thereby creating a convenient container for carrying food, or other items.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/021,442, filed May 7, 2020, and titled “Reusable Bag,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket Number 125-1020), filed on Apr. 30, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Because storage bags are often manufactured for single use, they are typically formed of inexpensive, disposable material. This material is usually flimsy and unable to provide sufficient rigidity for the storage bag to sit upright on its own or to allow the contents of the storage bag to be controlled as it is poured out of the storage bag, particularly if the contents are liquid. Furthermore, the flimsy, inexpensive material of typical storage bags, along with the sharp corners and crevices in typical storage bags make the bags difficult to thoroughly clean for reuse.

There is a need in the art for a system and method that addresses the shortcomings discussed above.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a reusable bag comprising a base having a base having a first base edge and a second base edge spaced apart from the first base edge. The first base edge and the second base edge may both extend from a first lateral side of the reusable bag to a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side. The bag may further include a first sidewall extending substantially vertically from the first base edge to a first top edge of the first sidewall. The bag may further include a second sidewall extending substantially vertically from the second base edge to a second top edge of the second sidewall. The bag may further include a rod extending across the first top edge from the first lateral side to the second lateral side. The bag may further include a lip extending across the second top edge from the first lateral side to the second lateral side. The lip may have an interior lip surface that is curved to form a concave channel configured to receive the rod such that the rod nests within the concave channel when the bag is in a closed position.

In some embodiments, the lip and rod may together define an opening of the reusable bag when the bag is in an open position.

In some embodiments, the first base edge and the second base edge each have an arcuate shape and come together at a first corner on the first lateral side and at a second corner on the second lateral side.

In some embodiments, the first base edge and the second base edge may together form a symmetric lens shape.

In some embodiments, the lip may have an exterior lip surface opposite the interior lip surface. The exterior lip surface may have a convex shape that corresponds with the shape of the channel.

In some embodiments, the rod may be cylindrical. In such embodiments, the rod may have a diameter that is at least twice the thickness of the first sidewall.

In some embodiments, the lip may have a lip edge and a thickness that tapers toward the lip edge.

In some embodiments, the reusable bag may be a single molded piece of flexible material.

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a reusable bag comprising a base having a first base edge and a second base edge spaced apart from the first base edge. The bag may further include a first sidewall extending substantially vertically from the first base edge to a first top edge of the first sidewall. The bag may further include a second sidewall extending substantially vertically from the second base edge to a second top edge of the second sidewall. The bag may further include a rod extending across the first top edge. The bag may further include a lip extending across the second top. The lip may have an interior lip surface that is curved to form a concave channel configured to receive the rod such that the rod nests within the concave channel when the bag is in a closed position. The lip and rod together may define an opening of the reusable bag when the bag is in an open position. The opening may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the base.

In some embodiments, the first base edge and the second base edge each have an arcuate shape and come together at a first corner on the first lateral side and at a second corner on the second lateral side.

In some embodiments, the first base edge and the second base edge may together form a symmetric lens shape.

In some embodiments, the lip may have an exterior lip surface opposite the interior lip surface. The exterior lip surface may have a convex shape that corresponds with the shape of the channel.

In some embodiments, the rod may be cylindrical. In such embodiments, the rod may have a diameter that is at least twice the thickness of the first sidewall.

In some embodiments, the lip may have a lip edge and a thickness that tapers toward the lip edge.

In some embodiments, the reusable bag may be a single molded piece of flexible material.

In some embodiments, the lip may have a ridge extending longitudinally along a portion of the lip that is adjacent to the top edge of the second sidewall. In such embodiments, the lip edge and ridge may be configured to retain the rod within the channel of the lip.

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a reusable bag comprising a base having a first base edge and a second base edge spaced apart from the first base edge. The bag may further include a first sidewall extending substantially vertically from the first base edge to a first top edge of the first sidewall, the first top edge having an arcuate shape. The bag may further include a second sidewall extending substantially vertically from the second base edge to a second top edge of the second sidewall, the second top edge having an arcuate shape. The bag may further include a rod extending across the first top edge. The bag may further include a lip extending across the second top. The lip may have an interior lip surface that is curved to form a concave channel configured to receive the rod such that the rod nests within the concave channel when the bag is in a closed position.

In some embodiments, the arcuate shape of the first top edge may have a center of curvature disposed below the first top edge. In such embodiments, the arcuate shape of the second top edge may have a center of curvature disposed below the second top edge.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description and this summary, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the following claims.

While various embodiments are described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting, and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the embodiments. Although many possible combinations of features are shown in the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description, many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Any feature or element of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substituted for any other feature or element in any other embodiment unless specifically restricted.

This disclosure includes and contemplates combinations with features and elements known to the average artisan in the art. The embodiments, features, and elements that have been disclosed may also be combined with any conventional features or elements to form a distinct invention as defined by the claims. Any feature or element of any embodiment may also be combined with features or elements from other inventions to form another distinct invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, it will be understood that any of the features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may be implemented singularly or in any suitable combination. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of the attached claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reusable bag according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view thereof;

FIGS. 4A-4C show a left side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the reusable bag of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 8 is a left side elevation view of the reusable bag of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration;

FIG. 9 shows a hand manipulating the bag to create a pour spout out of the first sidewall;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a reusable bag according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view thereof;

FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view thereof;

FIG. 13 is a left side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 14 is a right side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 16 is a bottom plan view thereof;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a reusable bag according to an embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a front elevation view thereof;

FIG. 19 is a rear elevation view thereof;

FIG. 20 is a left side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 21 is a right side elevation view thereof;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view thereof; and

FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The disclosure provides a container (or bag) that is sufficiently rigid to stand on its own yet is sufficiently flexible for a user to deform the bag to create a pour spout or to fold the bag into a flattened position for storage or transit. The properties of the material (e.g., silicone) forming the container and the dimensions of the container walls (e.g., thickness, length, width, etc.), including the sidewalls and base of the container, provide the container with this balance of rigidity and flexibility. Also, due to this balance of rigidity and flexibility, when open, the opening of the container maintains a shape (e.g., wider in middle and narrower toward edges) and dimension (e.g., length, width, area, etc.) that gives easy, one handed, access to the contents and allows contents to be poured into the container without need of support. The material forming the container may be food safe, such that the container may be used to store food. Additionally, the material may be sufficiently smooth such that the bag is easily washable. In some embodiments, the bag may be made of a single molded piece of flexible material (e.g., silicone).

FIGS. 1-9 show a reusable container 100 (or bag 100) according to an embodiment. FIGS. 10-16 show a reusable container 1000 (or bag 1000) according to an embodiment. Bag 1000 has different proportions than bag 100. FIGS. 17-21 show a reusable container 1700 (or bag 1700) according to an embodiment. Bag 1700 has different proportions from both bag 100 and bag 1000. The proportions of the bag may be suitable for different uses. For example, when made to a particular scale, the proportions of bag 1700 may enable bag 1700 to fit securely in a cupholder (e.g., a vehicle cupholder). While most of the descriptions include details of bag 100, it is understood that these details can apply to any embodiment, including the embodiments of FIGS. 10-21.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of bag 100. Bag 100 has a top or first end 106 at which an opening 114 is located. Bag 100 has a bottom or second end 108 that is opposite top end 106. Bag has a first lateral side 120 and a second lateral side 126 opposite first lateral side 120.

The bag has a base. For example, bag 100 has a base 116 located at bottom end 108. In another example, FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of bag 1000 having a base 1016. In yet another example, FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of bag 1700 having a base 1716. As shown in FIG. 1, base 116 has a first base edge 128 and a second base edge 130 that is opposite first base edge 128. First base edge 128 may be spaced apart from second base edge 130. In some embodiments, the base edges may have an arcuate shape. For example, first base edge 128 and second base edge 130 may each have an arcuate shape. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 16, base 1016 may have similar base edges. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 23, base 1716 may also have two arcuate base edges.

The base may have an interior base surface and an exterior base surface opposite the interior base surface. For example, the interior base surface may be the surface of base 116 facing toward top end 106. The edges of the base may come together at two corners. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, first base edge 128 and second base edge 130 come together at a first corner 122 of base 116 on first lateral side 120 and a second corner 124 of base 116 on second lateral side 126. First corner 122 may be opposite second corner 124. Together first base edge 128 and second base edge 130 may define a perimeter of base 116. In other words, the entire perimeter of base 116 may be defined by first base edge 128 and second base edge 130.

As shown in FIGS. 10, 13, and 14, the edges of base 1016 come together at two corners in a fashion similar to the corners of base 116. As shown in FIGS. 17, 20, and 21, the edges of base 1716 come together at two corners in a fashion similar to the corners of base 116.

The base may have a lateral center disposed halfway between first corner 122 and second corner 124. The space between the first base edge and the second base edge may be widest at the lateral center of the base and may taper toward the first and second corners. For example, as shown in the bottom plan view of bag 100 of FIG. 6, w4 is the width of the lateral center of base 116 and width w5 is at a point between the lateral center of base 116 and first corner 122. The width w6 is less than the width w4. Width w6 is at a point between the lateral center of base 116 and second corner 124. The width w6 is less than the width w4.

The bag typically rests on its base when placed on a surface during use. To aid in supporting the bag in an upright position while laying on a flat surface, the base may have a flat region. For example, FIGS. 2-3 and 6 shows base 116 having a flat region disposed between 202 and 204. Reference numbers 202 and 204, as well as the lines marked as 202 and 204 in FIG. 6, indicate where the flat region of the base transitions to curved regions. The base may have first and second curved regions disposed between the flat region and the first and second corners of the base, respectively. For example, base 116 may have a first curved region extending between 202 and first corner 122 and a second curved region extending between 204 and second corner 124. These curved regions may curve upwardly away from the flat portion and toward top end 106. Having curved regions rather than an entirely flat base allows the bag to have fewer crevices and tight spaces that are difficult to reach when accessing the contents of the bag or when cleaning the interior surface of the bag. This rounder interior surface of the bag also prevents liquid from becoming trapped in crevices and allows for thorough drying after being emptied or rinsed out. Additionally, the curved regions provide support to the bag such that the bag can stay upright without collapsing while the bag is resting on a surface or is being lifted by a user. Furthermore, the curved regions make it possible to fold the base inwardly along its longitudinal axis to flatten the bag for storage/transit. The curved regions aid in the folded position by reducing the amount of material folded, thus reducing the bulk caused by folding the base in between the sidewalls.

In some embodiments, such as those shown in the FIGS., the base is smooth without any creases or edges between the flat region and the curved regions. The lines shown at 202 and 204 in FIG. 6 are merely meant to mark a transition between the flat region and the curved regions, and do not form a crease or edge. FIGS. 16 and 23 show lines similar to 202 and 204. In other embodiments, an edge or crease may be present between the flat region and the first curved region and/or between the flat region and the second curved region.

The dimensions of the flat region of the base, including the space between the first base edge and second base edge, as well as the space between 202 and 204, may be sufficiently wide to provide support to the rest of the bag while resting on a surface or being lifted by a user.

In some embodiments, the perimeter of the base may form a symmetric lens shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, base 116 may have a perimeter defined by first base edge 128 and second base edge 130 forming a symmetric lens shape. The edges of base 1016 may also form a symmetric lens shape. As shown in FIG. 23, the flat portion of base 1716 may appear substantially circular. However, as shown in FIG. 17, the edges of base 1716 may curve upwardly and join at corners such that base 1716 also forms substantially a symmetric lens shape. The size and shape of base 1716, and bag 1700 in general, allows bag 1700 to fit in a cupholder (e.g., a vehicle cupholder).

The bag may have a first sidewall. For example, as illustrated in the left side elevation view of FIG. 4A, bag 100 has a first sidewall 102 extending substantially vertically from base 116 to first end 106 when bag 100 is in an open position. In another example, FIGS. 13 and 14 show a first sidewall 1002 extending vertically from base 1116. In yet another example, FIGS. 20 and 21 show a first sidewall 1702 extending vertically from base 1716. First sidewall 102 may extend from first base edge 128 to a first top edge of first sidewall 102 that is opposite first base edge 128. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the intersection where first base edge 128 and first sidewall 102 meet may be creased. In other embodiments, first base edge 128 and first sidewall 102 may come together at a smooth, rounded intersection. As discussed in further detail below, a rod 140 may be connected to the first top edge. Rod 140 may be integral with the first top edge. For example, in some embodiments, the bag may be molded such that the rod is seamlessly joined to the first sidewall. First sidewall 102 has a first exterior sidewall surface 112 and a first interior sidewall surface 902 that is opposite first exterior sidewall surface 112. The first sidewall may have a lateral center disposed between first lateral side 120 and second lateral side 126.

The first top edge of the bag may have an arcuate shape with a center of curvature disposed below the first top edge. For example, as shown in the front elevation view of bag 100 in FIG. 2, the first top edge has an arcuate shape such that height H1 at the lateral center of first sidewall 102 is the highest point of first sidewall 102. The height of first sidewall 102 may decrease from the lateral center of first sidewall 102 to first lateral side 120. For example, a height H2 of first sidewall 102 at a point between the lateral center of first sidewall 102 and first lateral side 120 may be shorter than height H1. The height of first sidewall 102 may decrease from the lateral center of first sidewall 102 to second lateral side 126. For example, a height H3 of first sidewall 102 at a point between the lateral center of first sidewall 102 and second lateral side 126 may be shorter than height H1.

The bag may have a second sidewall. For example, bag 100 has a second sidewall 104 that is opposite the first sidewall 102. Second sidewall 104 extends substantially vertically from base 116 to first end 106 when bag 100 is in the open position. In another example, FIGS. 13 and 14 show a second sidewall 1004 extending vertically from base 1116. In yet another example, FIGS. 20 and 21 show a second sidewall 1704 extending vertically from base 1716. Second sidewall 104 extends from second base edge 130 to a second top edge of second sidewall 104. In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the intersection where second base edge 130 and second sidewall 104 meet may be creased. In other embodiments, second base edge 130 and second sidewall 104 may come together at a smooth, rounded intersection.

The second sidewall may be a mirror image of the first sidewall. As discussed in more detail below, different components of a closure mechanism may be connected to the top edges of the first sidewall and the second sidewall such that the portion of the bag including the different components are not mirror images of one another. For example, as discussed in further detail below, a lip 132 may be connected to the second top edge. Lip 132 may be integral with the second top edge. For example, in some embodiments, the bag may be molded such that the lip is seamlessly joined to the second sidewall. Second sidewall 104 has a second exterior sidewall surface 118 and a second interior sidewall surface 110 that is opposite second exterior sidewall surface 118. The second sidewall may have a lateral center disposed between first lateral side 120 and second lateral side 126.

The second top edge may have an arcuate shape with a center of curvature disposed below the first top edge. As discussed above, the second sidewall may be the mirror image of the first sidewall and the second top edge may have the same arcuate shape the first top edge. FIG. 3 shows a rear elevation view of bag 100 and captures the arcuate shape of the second top edge. FIG. 7 is a rear elevation view of the reusable bag of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration. As shown in FIG. 7, when bag 100 is in the closed position, the lateral sides push outwardly such that the lateral sides widen from base 116 toward top end 106. This widening happens because the connection between lip 132 and rod 140 brings the top edges of the sidewalls toward each other (see FIG. 8), slightly deforming the sidewalls.

The bag may have an interior surface and an exterior surface. For example, the first interior sidewall surface, the second interior sidewall surface, and the interior base surface may together form the interior surface of the bag and define an interior chamber inside the bag. Together with the exterior base surface, the first exterior sidewall surface and second exterior sidewall surface may form an exterior surface of the bag.

Because the sidewalls extend substantially vertically from the base edges, the outer surface of the sidewalls may each have a convex shape that substantially follows the arcuate shape of the base edges. For example, first exterior sidewall surface 112 may have a convex shape that substantially follows the arcuate shape of first base edge 128 and second exterior sidewall surface 118 may have a convex shape that substantially follows the arcuate shape of second base edge 130. By substantially following the shape of the base edges, opening 114 may have a shape similar to that of base 119. For example, the top plan view of bag 100 of FIG. 5 shows opening 114 as having substantially a symmetric lens shape. Similar to base, the width of opening 114 may be widest at its lateral center. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, w1 shows the width of opening 114 at its lateral center and width w2 is at a point between the lateral center of opening 114 and first lateral side 120. The width w2 is less than the width w1. Width w3 is at a point between the lateral center of base 116 and second lateral side 126. The width w3 is less than the width w1. In some embodiments, the base may have the same thickness as the side walls. By having a shape similar to the base when in an open position, the rod and lip provide an opening that remains in a wide position providing a user with easy access to the interior cavity of the bag for filling and/or cleaning. The bag can be set on a flat surface in the open position ready to receive food items (e.g., particles or liquids).

In some embodiments, the first and second sidewalls of the bag may come together at creases (or folds) along the first and second lateral sides. For example, first sidewall 102 meets and connects to second sidewall 104 at a first crease on first lateral side 120 and at a second crease on second lateral side 126. The creases align with the corners of the base and run up from the base to the top end of the bag. The creases can help hold the bag in a closed position by bringing the top edges of the first and second sidewalls closer to one another and oriented opposite each other adjacent the creases. In other embodiments, the first and second sidewalls may come together without a crease or fold. In other words, the laterals sides of the sidewalls may meet each other with a more rounded contour than what is shown. For example, the first and second sidewalls may come together at smooth, rounded intersections.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the bag may include a lip integrally formed with the first sidewall along the first top edge. For example, bag 100 includes lip 132 disposed along the first top edge from first lateral side 120 to second lateral side 126. In another example, bag 1000 may include a lip 1032. In yet another example, bag 1700 may include a lip 1732. As shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 4B, lip 132 may have an exterior lip surface 402 and an interior lip surface 404 opposite exterior lip surface 402. The interior lip surface may have a curved shape forming a concave channel extending along a longitudinal axis of the lip. The exterior lip surface may have a convex shape corresponding to the concave shape of the channel.

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the bag may include a rod integrally formed with the second sidewall along the second top edge. For example, bag 100 may include rod 140 disposed along the second top edge. In another example, bag 1000 may include a rod 1040. In yet another example, bag 1700 may include a rod 1740. The rod may be cylindrically shaped with its longitudinal axis extending along the second top edge from first lateral side 120 to second lateral side 126. As shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 4C, rod 140 may have a circular cross-section. The rod may be sized and shaped such that it nests within the concave channel. Correspondingly, the concave channel may be configured to receive the rod such that the rod nests within the concave channel when the rod and lip are in a closed position. Specifically, in some embodiments, the rod may have diameter that is substantially similar to the inner diameter of the channel. The diameter of the rod may be at least twice the thickness of the first sidewall. For example, in some embodiments, the diameter of the rod may be at least 5 times the thickness of the first sidewall. In yet other embodiments, the diameter of the rod may be at least 7 times the thickness of the first sidewall. The lip and rod may together define the opening of the bag when the bag is in the open position.

As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, second sidewall 104 may have a thickness T1 and first sidewall 102 may have a thickness T2. In some embodiments, thickness T1 may be the same as thickness T2.

As shown in FIG. 4B, lip 132 may have a lip edge 136 and a ridge 138. Lip 132 may terminate at lip edge 136. Ridge 138 may extend longitudinally along a portion of the lip that is adjacent to the top edge of the second sidewall. Lip edge 136 and ridge 138 may be configured to retain rod 140 within the channel of lip 132. Ridge 138 may be sufficiently rigid to help retain rod 140 within the channel. Lip 132 may have a thickness T2 at a radial center of lip 132. The thickness of lip 132 may taper from its radial center to lip edge 136. This tapering may allow the lip to deform more easily toward lip edge 136 such that lip 132 is sufficiently deformable to open up and wrap around rod 140 in a closed position. The thickness of lip 132 may increase from its radial center toward ridge 138 such that the portion of lip 132 holds its shape without collapsing and reinforces the connection between rod 140 and lip 132 to maintain the bag in the closed position. The flexibility of the bag material, as well as the dimensions (e.g., thickness, length, width, etc.) of the lip enables concave channel to receive and retain the rod. In some embodiments, the rod and channel can be configured such that the rod can be pressed into the channel and pulled out of the channel repeatedly without causing damage to the container, thereby creating a convenient container for carrying food, or other items.

FIG. 8 shows bag 100 in a closed position. In the closed position, rod 140 is nested within the concave channel of lip 132. As discussed above, lip edge 136 and ridge 138 may retain rod 140 within the channel of lip 132.

As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, second sidewall 104 may have a thickness T1 and first sidewall 102 may have a thickness T2. In some embodiments, thickness T1 may be substantially the same as thickness T2. In some embodiments, the thickness of the base may be substantially the same as the thickness of the first and second sidewalls.

The bag may stand self-supported. In other words, the sidewalls may be sufficiently rigid and positioned such that the bag does not collapse when the bag is empty and the base is set on a surface. The base and sidewalls may be sufficiently rigid to remain, while empty, in an open position in which the sidewalls remain substantially vertical, the opening remains substantially open, and the lateral center of the sidewalls are spaced apart from one another by the base. The configuration of the opening of the bag substantially following the shape of the base may help enable the bag to stand on end with the opening biased in an open positioned when the rod is removed from within the channel. As discussed, in some embodiments, the portion of the bag where the edges of the base meet the sidewalls may be creased. These creases additionally help the bag stand upright on its own without collapsing. In other embodiments, the portion of the bag where the edges of the base meet the sidewalls may have more of rounded contour than what is shown. In such embodiments, the angle between the sidewalls and the base may be generally such that the sidewalls are still mostly vertical to the base. It is understood that in some embodiments, the bag may lose rigidity over time and may not be perfectly vertical with respect to the base. However, the bag may remain substantially vertical with respect to the base over time.

In addition to standing unsupported without collapsing while its base rests upon a surface, the bag can stand upside down while in the open position. The sidewalls may be sufficiently rigid and positioned such that the bag does not collapse when the bag is empty and the rod and lip are set on a surface. The rod and lip may also have sufficient rigidity provided by the diameter of the rod and the thickness of the lip to support the rest of the bag in such an inverted position. Additionally, the arcuate shape of the rod and lip enhance this feature of standing unsupported in an inverted position. This feature provides easy loading in a dishwasher where jets can easily access the interior surfaces of the bag. Additionally, this feature provides greater air circulation to aid in drying the bag.

While the sidewalls and base are sufficiently rigid for the bag to stand unsupported while either right side up or upside down, the sidewalls and base are sufficiently flexible for the base to be inwardly toward the top end along the longitudinal axis of the base such that the bag is flattened with its sidewalls next to one another. In other words, the base may be folded along its longitudinal axis, thereby bringing the sidewalls into contact with one another.

In some embodiments, the first sidewall and the second sidewall may be substantially the same height. In other embodiments, the heights of the first and second sidewalls may be slightly different from one another. For example, in one embodiment, the first sidewall may be slightly taller than the second sidewall such that additional height of the first sidewall causes the rod to push up into the chamber with additional force, thereby reinforcing the bag's closure. In some embodiments, the rod may have the same length as the lip. In other embodiments, the rod may be slightly longer than the lip for the purpose of increasing the pressure of the fit of the arcuate rod within the concave channel of the lip.

In some embodiments, the rod and channel may have a shape other than cylindrical. For example, in some embodiments, the rod and channel may have a triangular cross-sectional shape. In embodiments in which the rod and channel have a shape other than cylindrical, the rod and channel would still be sized and shaped such that the rod nests within the channel.

In some embodiments, lip 132 may include notches at the points where the ends of the rod are adjacent lip 132. For example, notch 134 is disposed at such a point on lip 132 near first lateral side 120. An identical notch may be disposed on lip 132 near second lateral side 126 in a mirror image location with respect to the location of notch 134. In some embodiments, the notches can provide space for the molds for each of the rod and lip during a process of molding the bag. Additionally, the notches can help keep the lip and rod from interfering with one another when the bag is in the open position (e.g., see FIG. 4A).

FIG. 9 shows a hand manipulating bag 100 to create a pour spout out of first sidewall 102. The material of the bag may be sufficiently flexible to allow the bag to be deformed. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a user can squeeze first lateral side 120 and second lateral side 126 toward each other such that the convex shape of first exterior sidewall surface 112 is more pronounced and first interior sidewall surface 902 is bent to form a channel/pour spout along which contents of the bag (e.g., particles shown in FIG. 9) or fluid) may be guided into a stream as the contents are poured from the bag.

As mentioned above, bag 100 has different proportions than bag 1000. In addition to having different proportions, different embodiments of the bag may have different capacities. For example, bag 100 is an embodiment in which the interior cavity has a capacity of approximately 2.3 oz (400 ml) and bag 1000 is an embodiment in which the interior cavity has a capacity of approximately 3.9 oz (900 ml). In some embodiments, the height of the sidewalls may be within a range of 120 mm to 150 mm. For example, bag 100 may have a sidewall height H1 of approximately 130 mm. In another example, bag 1000 may have a height of approximately 140.5 mm. In some embodiments, the width of the base may be within a range of 65 mm and 85 mm. For example, the width w4 of base 116 may be approximately 75 mm. In another example, base 1116 have a width of approximately 100 mm. The length of base that is perpendicular to the width (distance between the first corner and the second corner) may be within a range of 100 mm and 300 mm. For example, length of base 116 may be is 116 mm. In another example, length of base 1116 may be is 237.5 mm.

While various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, the description is intended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of the disclosure. Various modifications and changes may be made within the scope of this disclosure. 

We claim:
 1. A reusable bag, comprising: a base having a first base edge and a second base edge spaced apart from the first base edge, the first base edge and the second base edge both extending from a first lateral side of the reusable bag to a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side; a first sidewall extending substantially vertically from the first base edge to a first top edge of the first sidewall; a second sidewall extending substantially vertically from the second base edge to a second top edge of the second sidewall; a rod extending across the first top edge from the first lateral side to the second lateral side; and a lip extending across the second top edge from the first lateral side to the second lateral side, the lip having an interior lip surface that is curved to form a concave channel configured to receive the rod such that the rod nests within the concave channel when the bag is in a closed position.
 2. The reusable bag of claim 1, wherein the lip and rod together define an opening of the reusable bag when the bag is in an open position.
 3. The reusable bag of claim 1, wherein the first base edge and the second base edge each have an arcuate shape and come together at a first corner on the first lateral side and at a second corner on the second lateral side.
 4. The reusable bag of claim 3, wherein the first base edge and the second base edge together form a symmetric lens shape.
 5. The reusable bag of claim 1, wherein the lip has an exterior lip surface opposite the interior lip surface, wherein the exterior lip surface has a convex shape that corresponds with the shape of the channel.
 6. The reusable bag of claim 1, wherein the rod is cylindrical.
 7. The reusable bag of claim 6, wherein the rod has a diameter that is at least twice the thickness of the first sidewall.
 8. The reusable bag of claim 1, wherein the lip has a lip edge and a thickness that tapers toward the lip edge.
 9. The reusable bag of claim 1, wherein the reusable bag is a single molded piece of flexible material.
 10. A reusable bag, comprising: a base having a first base edge and a second base edge spaced apart from the first base edge; a first sidewall extending substantially vertically from the first base edge to a first top edge of the first sidewall; a second sidewall extending substantially vertically from the second base edge to a second top edge of the second sidewall; a rod extending across the first top edge; a lip extending across the second top, the lip having an interior lip surface that is curved to form a concave channel configured to receive the rod such that the rod nests within the concave channel when the bag is in a closed position; and wherein the lip and rod together define an opening of the reusable bag when the bag is in an open position, the opening having a shape corresponding to the shape of the base.
 11. The reusable bag of claim 10, wherein the first base edge and the second base edge each have an arcuate shape and come together at a first corner on a first lateral side of the reusable bag and at a second corner on a second lateral side that is opposite the first lateral side.
 12. The reusable bag of claim 11, wherein the first base edge and the second base edge together form a symmetric lens shape.
 13. The reusable bag of claim 10, wherein the lip has an exterior lip surface opposite the interior lip surface, wherein the exterior lip surface has a convex shape that corresponds with the shape of the channel.
 14. The reusable bag of claim 10, wherein the rod is cylindrical.
 15. The reusable bag of claim 14, wherein the rod has diameter that is at least twice the thickness of the first sidewall.
 16. The reusable bag of claim 10, wherein the reusable bag is a single molded piece of flexible material.
 17. The reusable bag of claim 10, wherein the lip has a lip edge and a thickness that tapers toward the lip edge.
 18. The reusable bag of claim 10, wherein the lip has a ridge extending longitudinally along a portion of the lip that is adjacent to the top edge of the second sidewall, the lip edge and ridge are configured to retain the rod within the channel of the lip.
 19. A reusable bag, comprising: a base having a first base edge and a second base edge spaced apart from the first base edge; a first sidewall extending substantially vertically from the first base edge to a first top edge of the first sidewall, the first top edge having an arcuate shape; a second sidewall extending substantially vertically from the second base edge to a second top edge of the second sidewall, the second top edge having an arcuate shape; a rod extending across the first top edge; and a lip extending across the second top, the lip having an interior lip surface that is curved to form a concave channel configured to receive the rod such that the rod nests within the concave channel when the bag is in a closed position.
 20. The reusable bag of claim 19, wherein the arcuate shape of the first top edge has a center of curvature disposed below the first top edge; and wherein the arcuate shape of the second top edge has a center of curvature disposed below the second top edge. 